“And
behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and
drinking wine. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
(Isaiah 22:13, ESV).
Today we may not
slaughter oxen and sheep, and eat their flesh and drink wine in the exact same
context as we read in today’s text. But hey, I do like barbecued lamb chops. Nevertheless,
not much has changed since the days of Isaiah. We share in common the key
phrase “Let us eat and drink, for
tomorrow we die.” It is this
hedonistic attitude we share in common with the people of Isaiah’s day. A
popular phrase among young people today is “YOLO,” which simply means, “You
Only Live Once.” This carries the exact same meaning we read in today’s text, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
We read in the Gospel of Luke 12:19
these words from the rich hedonist: “And
I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years;
relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ (ESV).
The attitude implies there is only this present life to enjoy things, so make
the best of it while you are here, for you only live once. (see Isa. 56:12; 1
Cor. 15:32). No thought is given about eternity, or what happens after we die? Their
minds are far from thinking about God, sin, and judgment to come. Their minds
are preoccupied with the here and now, with the passing pleasures of this
world. There philosophy for this life is to not think about God, sin, judgment
to come, and eternity. Their attitude is, “You only live Once,” live it up! Party
it up! Have fun! They say, be the life of the party, but fail to realize the
party robs you of your life! How you say? It robs you of the life you could
have in Christ. It robs you of the true peace, joy, love, service, and
fellowship you could have in Christ. It is true that we only live once in this
present life here on earth, that is why it is vitally important to consider the
choices you make in this life. Because there is much more to us than just this
world we are passing through. We have an eternal soul that will one day leave
this earthly existence. Where will you spend eternity my friend? Will it be
with God in heaven above, or will it be in hell beneath, forever separated from the
Lord, loved ones, and friends who know the Lord? Yes, “You Only Live Once” so
be wise and choose life in Christ as opposed to this short existence here in
this present world spent living for ourselves. Just as we only live once here
on this world, we only die once as well. There are no second chances to come
back to correct past wrongs done against God, others, and yourself. “And just as it is appointed for man to die
once, and after that comes judgment” (Heb. 9:27, ESV). By faith, repent of
your sins and receive Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour today, and
experience true lasting peace and forgiveness that can only be found in the
Lord Jesus Christ. You only live once, so make it count for Christ!
Heavenly
Father, we only live once here in this passing present world, help us to make
wise choices, because our eternity may depend on it. Also, the choice a sinner
makes for or against Christ in this life affects him or her for all eternity.
For their Eternity is hanging in the balance. Lord, soften the hard hearts of
your people, and grant unto us broken hearts over our sin and the Christless
eternity our neighbor is headed towards. Give us hearts of compassion and love
to win our neighbours to You. In Jesus name. Amen.
